Dramatic Late Wonder Strike Sends Bray Wanderers Past Treaty United Into Play-Off Final

A stunning late, late wonder volley strike has secured Bray Wanderers place in the promotion/relegation final and a chance to return to the top flight of Irish football

Bray Wanderers — seeking a return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2018 — edged out Treaty United 1–0 thanks to a sensational 90th‑minute bicycle‑kick from young forward Justin Ferizaj.

Despite early pressure from the Limerick men at the Athlone Town Stadium, Bray held firm, before they grew into the match amid positive substitutions, increasing energy while their ever increasing hunger began to tell.

As stoppage time approached with the match looking destined for extra time, the decisive moment arrived: a free‑kick from Bray’s Max Murphy into the box, where Ferizaj launched himself and connected with the volley, sending the Seagulls’ bench into wild raptures.

With that, Bray booked their place in the promotion/relegation final against Waterford FC at Tolka Park — a single tie lying between them and a place in the 2026 Premier Division.

They now have momentum heading into the final hurdle and the chance to regain top‑flight status after last year's heartache. Manager Paul Heffernan declared his team were “ready to have a crack at Waterford”.

The club’s recent play‑off history saw them fall short last season — this win may mark a turning point.

The final against Waterford is now the big prize: one final match to determine who moves into the Premier Division.

For Bray, it's about keeping composure, building on this dramatic win, and managing the pressure.